APSU announces 2026 A.J. Taylor Award winners

By: Elaina Russell September 2, 2026

The 2026 A.J. Taylor Award winners, Drs. Matthew Farrell (left) and Al Tilooby (right).

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Austin Peay State University College of Business recently presented the 2026 A.J. Taylor Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Research, recognizing two faculty members for outstanding classroom innovation and scholarly work.

Each recipient received an award and an academic stipend to advance future instructional and research initiatives. The 2026 recipients are:

Excellence in Teaching, Dr. Al Tilooby

Dr. Al Tilooby is an assistant professor of management information systems. He incorporates emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality into his courses to help students strengthen their skills with the same platforms that shape today’s workplaces.

Excellence in Research: Dr. Matthew Farrell

Dr. Matthew Farrell is an assistant professor of management whose research examines strategic decision-making, governance, and organizational adaptation. His recent work has appeared in top-tier outlets, including the Journal of Management, with ongoing projects exploring how firms balance risk and innovation.

“Dr. Tilooby is an innovator in incorporating new technologies into his courses,” said Dr. Mickey Hepner, dean of the College of Business. “Whether it’s virtual reality or artificial intelligence, Dr. Tilooby’s efforts prepare our students to compete in a rapidly changing business world.”

Farrell was noted for his efforts in establishing a reputable portfolio of high-quality research.

“Dr. Farrell is developing a national reputation through his research on factors affecting how organizations make strategic decisions,” Hepner said. “In the last few years, he has produced multiple highly ranked peer-reviewed journal publications, including one in the prestigious Journal of Management, highly regarded as an elite-tier publication.”

These awards, named after former marketing professor Dr. A.J. Taylor, are presented annually to support faculty innovation and development across disciplines while honoring the enduring impact of Taylor’s legacy at APSU.

For more information, contact Elaina Russell at russelle@apsu.edu.